Crockpot Split Pea Soup With Ham Bone Recipe

Split pea soup is one of those comforting, nostalgic dishes that warms the soul, especially on a cold, gloomy day. But have you ever made it in a crockpot? If not, you’re about to discover the magic of slow-cooking this hearty, wholesome soup with ham bone. It’s the perfect way to take the traditional split pea soup and elevate it into something truly special. Slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld together, giving you a rich, creamy texture that’s absolutely irresistible.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the recipe for Crockpot Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone, a dish that practically cooks itself, leaving you with a pot of deliciousness waiting for you at the end of the day. You don’t have to hover over the stove, and the end result is a savory, slightly smoky, and velvety-smooth soup that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Crockpot Split Pea Soup With Ham Bone Recipe

Here’s how to make this incredibly easy yet flavorful soup. It’s a no-fuss recipe with minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients Needed

For this recipe, you’ll need a few simple, hearty ingredients:

• 1 lb dried split peas – Split peas are the star of the show. They break down beautifully while cooking, creating that thick, creamy base that makes this soup so satisfying.
• 1 ham bone (about 2-3 inches) – The ham bone imparts a deep, smoky flavor that is essential for this recipe. You can use a leftover bone from a holiday ham, or buy one from your butcher.
• 1 medium onion (diced) – Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 2 carrots (peeled and sliced) – A bit of sweetness and a touch of color to brighten up the dish.
• 2 celery stalks (chopped) – A classic addition for extra crunch and flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced) – Garlic gives the soup a savory kick.
• 4 cups chicken broth – For the liquid base; chicken broth is preferred for its richness, but you can also use vegetable broth for a lighter version.
• 2 bay leaves – A subtle herb that helps round out the flavors.
• 1 tsp thyme – A fragrant herb that complements the split peas beautifully.
• 1 tsp salt – Adjust to taste depending on how salty your ham bone is.
• ½ tsp black pepper – For a gentle heat.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables (optional but adds a nice depth of flavor).

Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the vegetables: Start by washing, peeling, and chopping your vegetables. Dice the onion, peel and slice the carrots, chop the celery, and mince the garlic. It doesn’t have to be super precise-just try to get them into roughly the same size for even cooking.
2. Layer the crockpot: Place the dried split peas, ham bone, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic into the crockpot. Don’t worry about stirring just yet-let the slow cooker do its magic!
3. Add the seasonings: Toss in the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth. The broth should just cover all the ingredients. If it doesn’t, add a little extra water to make sure everything is submerged.
4. Set and forget: Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to low for 8 hours. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 4 hours, but I’d recommend the low-and-slow method for the best flavor.
5. Shred the ham: Once the soup is cooked, take out the ham bone. You’ll notice that the meat has likely fallen off the bone. Use a fork to shred any remaining pieces of ham and return them to the soup.
6. Stir and adjust: Give the soup a good stir, taste it, and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup directly in the crockpot, or mash some of the peas with a potato masher.
7. Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you like, serve with some crusty bread on the side. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal all on its own!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe brings something unique to the table. Here’s why they’re so important:

• Split peas: They are naturally sweet and break down during cooking to create a velvety-smooth base. Plus, they’re packed with protein and fiber, making the soup both filling and nutritious.
• Ham bone: This is the secret weapon for flavor! As it simmers, the bone releases its savory, smoky goodness, transforming a simple pea soup into a rich, complex dish.
• Chicken broth: This acts as the liquid foundation of the soup. The richness of chicken broth adds an extra layer of savory flavor, making the soup feel indulgent.
• Carrots, celery, and onions: These three veggies, often called the “mirepoix”, are essential for the soup’s base. They provide a sweet, earthy flavor that balances out the richness of the ham.
• Garlic and thyme: These ingredients infuse the soup with aromatic depth, giving it a comforting, home-cooked taste.

Expert Tips

To ensure you make the best split pea soup possible, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Rinse the peas: Before adding the dried split peas to the crockpot, make sure to give them a good rinse to remove any debris or dust. This will prevent the soup from being gritty.
• Use the bone: Don’t skip the ham bone! Even a small bone adds tons of flavor. If you don’t have a ham bone, you can substitute with ham hocks or even a couple of slices of cooked ham.
• Slow cooking: While you can speed up the process by cooking it on high, the flavors really develop when cooked on low for several hours. So, if you have the time, opt for the low setting.
• Add water as needed: Depending on how thick or thin you like your soup, you can adjust the consistency by adding extra broth or water during the cooking process.
• Taste and adjust: Taste your soup about halfway through cooking and adjust the seasonings. If you want more salt or thyme, go ahead and add it in. Slow cooking can mellow the flavors, so it’s always good to check.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of split pea soup is that it’s versatile. Here are a few ideas to make this recipe your own:

• Vegetarian version: Skip the ham bone and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add a little smoked paprika or liquid smoke to achieve that smoky flavor without the meat.
• Add extra greens: Throw in a handful of spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Smokier flavor: If you love that smoky flavor, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
• Spicy twist: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Herb variations: Try adding different herbs like rosemary or sage to change the flavor profile. If you’re a fan of herby soups, experiment with a combination.

Final Words

This Crockpot Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone recipe is everything you want in a slow-cooked meal: easy, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of the earthy split peas, the savory ham, and the aromatic broth creates a bowl of comfort that can’t be beaten. And the best part? You can set it and forget it, allowing the crockpot to work its magic while you go about your day. When you come back, you’ll be greeted with a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.